With its new Up! model, Volkswagen has cemented its place at the leading edge of the automotive industry’s efforts to produce compact city cars with more fuel efficiency and less environmental impact than ever before. At a time when the price of petrol is at an all-time high and the issue of climate change is becoming impossible to ignore, this successor to the Fox is the perfect answer to the concerns of the modern motorist.

The simple, clear lines of the Up! indicate its agility as well as its style. At just 3,540mm long, the car is easy to park in the smallest of spaces, while its tiny turning circle makes it a wonderful ally on the crowded, hectic streets. Combined fuel consumption is an impressive 62.8mpg with the 1.0-litre 60PS engine, with CO₂ emissions low at 105g/km.

Although its roots as a concept car are plain to see in its bold design features, the Volkswagen Up! does not forsake practicality. The safety of the occupants is maximised by the high rigidity of the outer shell and sophisticated crumple zones, as well as ISOFIX child seat fixings, ABS brakes, front and side airbags for the driver, and a front airbag for the passenger. And, with a variable load floor that allows 951 litres of space for luggage, the smallest car in Volkswagen’s range is definitely not cramped.

Discover more about the new Volkswagen Up! at Helston Volkswagen.